OurMessage

We recognize that sexual assault is complicated and confusing—and difficult to talk about. Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported (and not talked about) crimes that include rape, fondling, molestation and any other sexual contact that is unwanted and non-consensual. Sexual assault knows no boundaries. It does not discriminate based on gender, race, age, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. Sexual assault can occur between strangers or more commonly between people who know each other. Sexual assault occurs between acquaintances, friends, classmates, teammates, neighbors, lovers, spouses, and partners as well as between every family relationship possible. Regardless of who, what, when or why of an assault one thing is always true; the person who is sexually assaulted is NEVER to blame for the assault. If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, remember, you are not alone. Break the silence. When YOU SPEAK ...WE LISTEN. We listen and offer choices for healthcare needs, reporting options, and resources to begin a journey of healing. We are forensic nurses making a difference for victims of sexual assault in Northeast Indiana.

OUR MISSION

“To be the most respected and trusted resource for superior medical forensic care, education and research in bringing justice to those impacted by sexual assault and abuse.”

OUR SERVICES

Our Forensic Nurse Examiners provide medical forensic examinations to women, children and men who have been sexually assaulted. Our services are available 24/7/365 days a year at no cost to our patients. The Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center is the recognized and credentialed provider for patients who have been victims of sexual assault in Northeast Indiana, including: Allen, Adams, Blackford, DeKalb, Elkhart, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Miami, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties. Additionally, we provide consultation and training statewide, nationally and internationally.

OUR CREDENTIALS

Our Forensic Nurse Examiners are Registered Nurses with advanced training in responding to victims of sexual assault. They have all completed or are working towards the earned credentials of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A) or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) which designates the recipient has achieved the highest standards of forensic nursing for sexual assault nurse examiners as certified by the International Association of Forensic Nurses. This entity is the only governing body that has established educational guidelines as well as an international board certification to promote the specialty nursing practice of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

As of January 2017, there are 1,024 SANE-A’s and 393 SANE-P’s worldwide, and there are only 44 SANE-A's and 14 SANE-P's in the state of Indiana.

WHY THE FORT WAYNE SEXUAL ASSAULT TREATMENT CENTER IS IMPORTANT

Survivors of sexual assault have no choice in being sexually assaulted. The Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (SATC) wants to give back the power of choices to its patients. Allen County and the surrounding counties are extremely lucky to have a free standing, nurse driven clinic like the SATC. The compassionate and knowledgeable care provided by the sexual assault nurse examiners allow the journey of healing to begin. Studies show that the earlier treatment is received, the better the outcome. Sexual assault can cause many physical and psychological issues that can last a lifetime if proper treatment is not received. The SATC provides numerous resources for patients to continue the process of coping once they leave. We want to let men, women, and children know that they are not alone, they are not damaged, and that someone cares.

THE STORY BEHIND OUR LOGO

We embrace bamboo as a symbol of survival in adversity.

"By bending with the wind or the storm it can weather these rough moments, to emerge whole and stronger afterwards. We would do well to take this lesson from bamboo, when a stronger force confronts us, do not meet it headlong, find a way to bend and overcome; by so doing you too will emerge whole and stronger."